It’s a beautiful coincidence on face value that, following such a successful Olympic Games for the British boxing squad last summer, we have such an exciting group of prospects that make us potentially one of the hottest nations on the planet inside the squared circle.
Although it is no coincidence at all, in reality, and today’s stars owe a big debt of gratitude to a man now universally mocked and veered.
It was thanks to the phenomenal success of Audley Harrison in the Sydney games at the turn of the century that secured the funding in amateur boxing that is paying dividends today. Remember that the next time you read some pile of crap criticising a man who, lest we forget, was European champion and world title challenger.
With that in mind, I wanted to dedicate today’s blog to some of the slightly lesser known stars making their way in the boxing world, and give something of a preview of the exciting times to come.
Scott Cardle – Lightweight/Light welterweight – 11 wins (2 KO) 0 defeats
Barely into his second year as a professional, Cardle has reaped the benefits of signing with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Sport; with a busy opening year in the dark art. Born with a leg defect which required a risky operation during his amateur days; Scott’s work ethic and dedication saw him become a very successful amateur, including reaching the quarter-finals of the World Championships in 2009.
Under the expert guidance of the highly respected Joe Gallagher his professional career has made a promising start; and I expect some exciting nights and big headlines to follow in the near future for Scott.
Callum Smith – Super middleweight – 6 wins (4 KO) 0 defeats
Possibly the highest profile of the fighters I will look at today; thanks in part to the exposure Callum has received not only for his appearances on high profile cards such as Froch/Kessler II, but also his boxing heritage.
Coming from a family where his three brothers are also professional boxers, and who have all fought at the very least at British title level, it shouldn’t really surprise that Callum has made a promising start.
In my opinion though, Callum has the potential to outshine any of the Smith brothers. Already a big lad at 6′ 3″ for the 12st division, paired with a fearsome right hand and fleeting footwork I suspect that Callum will be the first to go the distance of the names I mention here.
His last four wins all came within the opening round.
Kal Yafai – Bantamweight – 8 wins (6 KO) 0 defeats
A silver medalist in the 2010 European championships, Yafai is another who arrives in the paid ranks with a proud amateur heritage.
Another of Eddie Hearn’s protege’s, Kal has been a professional since last summer and was on course for an active year in 2013 until suffering a bicep tear in March.
Yafai is back in the gym following successful surgery and will return soon. His flashy skills and slick defence make him an exciting prospect, and I can easily see Kal going all the way to a world title.
Hughie Fury – Heavyweight – 6 wins (4 KO) 0 defeats
One of the highest profile novices I can remember, partly due to his high-profile cousin, Tyson Fury.
Family connections aside, Hughie has already shown that he belongs in the profession game; with six fights already in his first three months since turning over, in four different countries.
At 18, standing at 6′ 6″ and already weighing 17st, Hughie is a genuine heavyweight and possesses the power to match. Trained by father Peter, the Fury’s are taking a smart route with Hughie’s career; purposely choosing difficult fights against durable opponents who he has needed to outbox rather than knock over. As Peter himself says; “What will Hughie learn from a quick KO?”.
It’s sometimes hard to wade through the media given to the Fury camp but early signs are that Hughie has the potential to go a long way.
Hosea Burton – Super middle/Light heavyweight – 7 wins (2 KO) 0 defeats
Under the guidance of the emerging force of Dave Coldwell; Hosea has a deceptive KO ratio for the power he possesses.
A man who has had an active start to his professional career; with seven bouts in his first fifteen months.
Another of Joe Gallagher’s fighters, Burton made a big statement in his last outing; blowing away the tough Jahmaine Smyle in just 97 seconds.
Hosea also made an instant impact on his professional debut back in March last year, as a booming right lifted his Bulgarian opponent clean off his feet.
The impressive thing about Burton is the way he has adapted to the differing styles of his subsequent opponents. Another to avoid headline grabbing KO’s of tin-cans; Coldwell has cleverly matched Hosea for the long-term good of his career.
Liam Hanrahan – Super bantamweight – 4 wins (3 KO) 0 defeats
Liam has made an exciting start to his career in a strong domestic super bantamweight division. In fact, had it not been for some of the higher profile fighters at 122lbs, I’m convinced that Hanrahan would be touted as the next big thing.
A ferocious work rate, with power in his fists, Liam impresses with dazzling footwork that makes him a slippery fighter to tie down.
As with Hosea Burton, Coldwell is an excellent matchmaker to test his fighters at the right time; and Liam’s comprehensive win over Reynaldo Cajina showed that he has taken a great deal from his four outings so far.
I’ll go as far as to say that Liam is the fighter I am hoping for the most from in Britain today. Don’t be surprised to start reading more about this man in the coming few years.
Frank Buglioni – Super middleweight – 8 wins (6 KO) 0 defeats
‘Wise Guy’ Buglioni had a fearsome reputation as a knock-out artist in the amateur ranks, and has continued that theme as a professional.
Working with trainers Jimmy & Mark Tibbs he has maintained his power while working on becoming more of a counter-puncher.
Putting together expansive combinations, Buglioni started his professional career in explosive style with two first round demolitions within a fortnight.
It would not be unreasonable to look forward to a meeting between Frank and fellow Brit Callum Smith; which appears a natural collision at some point in the future.
Jazza Dickens – Super bantamweight – 15 wins (5 KO) 0 defeats
A devout christian; Dickens won the English title back in March in front of his home fans in Liverpool.
A successful amateur, Jazza – real name James – is in pole position to fight for the Lonsdale belt, vacated by Scott Quigg recently, and faces Reynaldo Cajina; victim of Liam Hanrahan; on the undercard of David Price v Tony Thompson 2 next month.
One of the highest profile, and most promising, fighters remaining under the banner of Hatton Promotions; Dickens has remained busy whilst some of his stablemates have stagnated, a testament to his excitement and ability to draw crowds.
The super bantamweight division should throw up some intriguing domestic dust-ups over the coming few years.
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